{"id":37782,"date":"2026-09-19T08:14:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T05:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=37782"},"modified":"2026-09-19T08:14:29","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T05:14:29","slug":"latvia-selects-czech-made-morana-after-dropping-archer-procurement-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/latvia-selects-czech-made-morana-after-dropping-archer-procurement-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Latvia selects Czech-made Morana after dropping Archer procurement plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia has chosen the Czech-made Morana 155mm self-propelled wheeled howitzer over Sweden\u2019s Archer system, shifting a procurement plan that had moved toward buying 18 Swedish artillery systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia\u2019s government approved the decision, with the Ministry of Defense saying the choice was based on cost, delivery times, operational capabilities and the involvement of Latvia\u2019s defense industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The value of the planned Morana procurement has not been disclosed. Latvia had previously signed a letter of intent with Sweden in June 2025 for 18 Archer systems, but further negotiations showed that the Swedish system would require more funding and take longer to deliver than Latvia could accommodate under its current defense plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia began researching options for new 155mm wheeled self-propelled artillery systems in May 2024. The country subsequently held detailed discussions with Sweden\u2019s BAE Systems Bofors over the Archer and Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army over the Morana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In June 2025, Latvia and Sweden signed a letter of intent that was intended to lead to the acquisition of 18 Archer systems. However, Latvia continued discussions while examining the cost and delivery conditions of both systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Latvian Ministry of Defense, the Morana offer provided more favorable financial and delivery conditions. The ministry also said that the Czech proposal would include participation from Latvia\u2019s domestic defense industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has not yet publicly confirmed the final number of Morana systems to be ordered. However, the country had planned to acquire 18 Archer systems, and the Morana procurement is expected to address the same requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia has described the Morana as an operationally equivalent solution to the Archer for the capability it needs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Morana<\/a>
Morana self-propelled howitzer. (Image Credit: Excalibur Army\/via CSG)<\/sup><\/em>

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


Mobile 155mm Artillery System<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Morana was developed by Czech defense company Excalibur Army and was first presented in 2022. The system is built on a modified Tatra 815-7 8\u00d78 wheeled chassis. It combines an armored crew cabin at the front with a fully automated artillery turret mounted at the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main weapon is a 155mm\/52-caliber howitzer designed to use NATO-standard ammunition. The system can fire at targets more than 40 kilometers away, with Excalibur Army giving a maximum range of 41.5 kilometers depending on the ammunition used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morana carries 45 rounds and is operated by a crew of three. A high level of automation allows the crew to operate the gun, load ammunition, and conduct firing operations without having to leave the protected cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excalibur Army says the system can reach a road speed of up to 90 km\/h. This gives the vehicle the ability to move between firing positions relatively quickly while using existing road networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Automated Loading and Rapid Firing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main features of Morana is its automated ammunition handling and firing system. According to its manufacturer, the system can fire up to six rounds during the first minute after establishing a firing position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also use Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact, or MRSI, techniques, allowing several rounds fired at different times to reach a target at approximately the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system is designed to reduce the amount of time required to prepare for firing and to leave a position. This is important for modern artillery forces, where firing positions can be detected by drones, counter-battery radars, and other surveillance systems. Remaining in one location for too long can increase the risk of being targeted by enemy artillery or other weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Morana<\/a>
Morana self-propelled howitzer. (Image Credit: Excalibur Army)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Morana\u2019s combination of automation and wheeled mobility is intended to allow artillery units to fire, move, and establish another position relatively quickly. The system also includes automated weapon guidance and other systems intended to reduce the workload on its three-person crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Latvia Increases Defense Spending, Supports NATO’s Defense<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Morana procurement comes as Latvia is increasing its defense spending. The country plans to spend about $2.48 billion on defense in 2026. This represents 4.91% of Latvia\u2019s gross domestic product, making it the country\u2019s highest defense spending level to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has identified improvements to indirect-fire capabilities as one of its key defense development projects. Latvia is also developing its capabilities within a wider NATO defense structure in the Baltic region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia\u2019s artillery modernization is taking place alongside the expansion of NATO\u2019s military presence in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia has been established with Canada as the framework nation. The formation is being developed as a brigade-level force, with troops from several NATO members contributing to Latvia\u2019s defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden and Czechia are among the countries contributing to NATO\u2019s presence in Latvia. The addition of modern Latvian artillery would give the country greater long-range indirect-fire capability alongside the multinational forces deployed on its territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-propelled wheeled artillery can also provide mobility that is important for operations across the Baltic region, where units may need to move between different positions and support dispersed forces.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"NATO<\/a>
NATO Multinational Brigade Latvia conducting NATO field exercise Resolute Warrior. (Image Credit: X\/HQ Multinational Division North)<\/sup><\/em>

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Local Defense Industry Participation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia\u2019s decision also places importance on domestic defense industry involvement. The Ministry of Defense specifically identified local industry participation as one of the factors considered during the procurement process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government has not yet provided details about which Latvian companies will participate or what responsibilities they will receive under the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Possible areas could include maintenance, logistics, components, ammunition support or other activities throughout the system\u2019s service life, although the exact arrangement has not been announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inclusion of local companies could give Latvia greater domestic support capacity for its new artillery fleet and strengthen cooperation between Latvian and Czech defense companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excalibur Army is part of Czechoslovak Group, a major Czech defense holding company with activities in ammunition production and military equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden Remains a Defense Partner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia\u2019s decision to purchase Morana does not end its broader defense cooperation with Sweden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two countries have continued to develop military cooperation, including cooperation within NATO\u2019s presence in Latvia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia also continues to operate and acquire Swedish defense equipment. Its military cooperation with Sweden includes areas such as air defense, surveillance, and land forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change mainly affects the planned artillery procurement. Instead of proceeding with the previously planned Archer acquisition, Latvia has decided to purchase a Czech system that it says offers more favorable costs and delivery conditions while meeting its operational requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Morana<\/a>
Morana self-propelled howitzer. (Image Credit: Excalibur Army\/via CSG)<\/sup><\/em>

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


A Faster Path to New Firepower<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Latvia\u2019s decision reflects the growing importance of speed and cost in European defense procurement. The country needs to expand its military capabilities while managing a rapidly increasing defense budget and the requirements of NATO\u2019s eastern flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Morana provides Latvia with a 155mm artillery system capable of engaging targets at ranges of more than 40 kilometers, while its wheeled chassis provides high road mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its automated loading system and three-person crew are also designed to reduce the manpower needed to operate the weapon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important details of the procurement remain unknown. Latvia has not announced the final number of Morana systems, the contract value, the exact delivery schedule, or the full details of local industrial participation. Those details will determine the final scale of Latvia\u2019s new artillery capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, the decision marks a clear change from the Archer plan agreed with Sweden in 2025. Latvia has chosen to move forward with the Czech Morana after concluding that its cost, delivery conditions, operational capabilities, and potential involvement of the domestic defense industry better fit the country\u2019s current defense plans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Latvia has chosen the Czech-made Morana 155mm self-propelled wheeled howitzer over Sweden\u2019s Archer system, shifting a procurement plan that had moved toward buying 18 Swedish artillery systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37783,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[62,1],"tags":[218,162,6,357,926,55,5,59,113,213],"class_list":["post-37782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-news","tag-army","tag-czech-republic","tag-defense","tag-europe","tag-howitzer","tag-latvia","tag-military","tag-nato","tag-security","tag-sweden"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-9Po","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Morana-self-propelled-howitzer-system.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37782"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37790,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37782\/revisions\/37790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}